Suarez says sorry but Reds not amused

Liverpool chiefs have accused Luis Suarez of misleading them after claiming the Uruguay striker had guaranteed he would shake hands with Manchester United defender Patrice Evra before Saturday's clash at Old Trafford.

Liverpool chiefs have accused Luis Suarez of misleading them after claiming the Uruguay striker had guaranteed he would shake hands with Manchester United defender Patrice Evra before Saturday's clash at Old Trafford.

Suarez on Sunday apologised for his failure to acknowledge Evra's hand during the traditional pre-match greeting as he came face to face with United's captain for the first time since being given an eight-match ban for racially abusing the Frenchman at Anfield in October.

Ayre insists Suarez had told them he would shake hands with Evra, only to change his mind on the pitch, and he revealed the club have given the forward a strong reminder of his responsibility not to damage Liverpool's reputation.

"We are extremely disappointed Luis Suarez did not shake hands with Patrice Evra before yesterday's game. The player had told us beforehand that he would, but then chose not to do so," Ayre said on Liverpool's official website. "He was wrong to mislead us and wrong not to offer his hand to Patrice Evra. He has not only let himself down, but also Kenny Dalglish, his team-mates and the club.

United boss had Sir Alex Ferguson branded Suarez a disgrace, while Professional Footballers' Association chief Gordon Taylor called the Liverpool star's actions "disrespectful, inappropriate and embarrassing".

Suarez finally showed some contrition in a statement expressing his regret for his actions, but that couldn't prevent Liverpool going public with their anger. "I have spoken with the manager (Kenny Dalglish) since the game at Old Trafford and I realise I got things wrong," Suarez said.

Rooney for Gerrard

London: Wayne Rooney has put aside club rivalry by stating that Liverpool’s Steven Gerrard would be the best man to lead England at Euro 2012. “For everyone asking, I would love to be England captain. But that's up to new manager to decide. Gerrard is perfect choice for me,” Rooney wrote on his Twitter feed.